Pages

Saturday, 25 October 2014

Hands and Horses..

Still following the hand print / cave art theme I decided to felt a shawl.. the inspiration was one of my favourite cave painting images:

Spotted Horses - Pech Merle Cave, France

I didn't take photos of the early layout stage.. I was just so excited to be finally making it - it's been in my head for ages. It pretty much filled my 8ft x 4ft table at the widest points.. laid out in the shape I wanted the finished piece to be.

I started off by laying down mawata silk hankies and throwsters waste silk fibre, followed by a white merino/tussah silk blend, then a colour layer. THEN I started 'drawing' the horses :) and adding handprints.. this all took hours.

This was a couple of hours into day 2.. just finishing the design layer

I'd added white Wensleydale locks between layers to create an irregular fringe..now I placed them on top of the design too (lightly veiling each lock to help it attach).

I covered the main image with thin builders plastic after wettingto prevent it from moving around while I rubbed. I actually left it in place when I started rolling too, the thought of anything moving around was just to scary to be risked

Part way through rolling.. I was so pleased that everything stayed just where I put it :)

After LOTS of rubbing, rolling and throwing I got this:

The finished size is 63" x 24" (160cm x 61cm)

I wanted it to have a sort of 'skin-like' character to be in keeping with cave painting..

Close up.Much as I LOVE the outside..

I also really love the simple inside too..As well as the silk textures there's a ghost image of the outer design

My cheeky Little Miss modelling for me in the woods :)

Now I have another one in mind using the colours differently.. there'll be more about that when it finds it's way out of my head.

I have actually put this one in my Etsy shop.. but I love it so much I don't really want to part with it. I think I shall have to make another as soon as possible - it won't be the same but at least I can have one to keep and one to sell :)

Ohhhhhh...this is spectacular, Deborah! I especially love the overall colourway. It really echoes the colors of the work of art that you're channeling here! You all must have had to eat meals on the deck or on your laps in the living room...this was a huge undertaking!!! Congratulations!!

Translate

About Me

Hi Im Deborah - Im a feltmaker & fibre fanatic. I love wetfelting! I enjoy felting bags, wearables, things for the home, pretty much everything to be honest.. and that's one of the things I love about felt, its' versatility!
I'm 42 years old and live in the heart of England with my wonderful husband, our two great kids and a sweet little cocker spaniel.